In July 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its entry requirements for dogs entering the United States. These updates aim to enhance public health safety by ensuring dogs are free from rabies and other diseases before entering the country. Understanding these requirements is crucial for pet owners and veterinary and animal care professionals. Read on for a breakdown of the current dog entry requirements.
For dogs that have traveled to rabies-free or low-risk countries in the last 6 months:
- Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
- Dogs must be at least six months old at the time of entry or return to the US.
- Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
- Dogs must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form.
- This is the only form that is needed and is completed by the dog owner. A receipt will be emailed to the owner upon submission of the form. You can print the receipt or show it on your phone.
For dogs that have traveled to ANY high-risk countries in the last 6 months:
- Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or return to the US.
- Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
- The microchip must be implanted before getting the rabies vaccine, or else the vaccine will be invalid. The microchip number must be included on all required forms and supporting documents.
- Dogs must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form.
- This form is completed by the dog owner. A receipt will be emailed to the owner upon submission of the form. You can print the receipt or show it on your phone.
- Dogs must be accompanied by a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination form.
- A USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete this document and submit it to the USDA for endorsement before the dog departs the United States. Veterinarians, please refer to the instructions for completing the documents.
- Dogs must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form.
- This form is completed by the dog owner. A receipt will be emailed to the owner upon submission of the form. You can print the receipt or show it on your phone.
- Dogs must be accompanied by a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form.
- This form is filled out by the veterinarian and endorsed by an official government veterinarian.
- If not included on the form above, the dog will also need a valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory.
- Dogs must have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility.
- If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, this must include a 28-day quarantine reservation.
- Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
- The microchip must be implanted before getting the rabies vaccine, or else the vaccine will be invalid. The microchip number must be included on all required forms and supporting documents.
- Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
Feeling Overwhelmed? We’ve Got You Covered!
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Our Pet Travel Concierge Service Includes:
- Pet & Travel Details Collection
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- VEHCS Certificate Preparation
- USDA Endorsement Tracking
By staying informed about these new regulations and utilizing available resources, you can ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for your clients and their pets.
